Covid-19: New Variant NB.1.8.1 Confirmed in UK and Globally
Covid-19 is once again making headlines more than five years after the initial outbreak, with a new variant confirmed in the UK and in several countries across the globe. The new strain, named NB.1.8.1, now accounts for just over 10 per cent of global infections, with cases now confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales.
According to reports from The Independent, while there is no evidence that the new strain causes more severe symptoms, experts believe that it can infect cells more efficiently and can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation and nausea. Since first being recognised in January 2025, the omicron variant has spread to several states across the US, Australia, Thailand and is the most dominant variant in China and Hong Kong.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated the NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring”, and comprises around 10.7 per cent of all submitted sequences. A WHO spokesperson said: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected."
As reported by The Independent, while it first appeared in samples at the beginning of this year, data from GISAID, a global data of genetic sequences of major disease-causing viruses, show that the first known cases were registered at the end of April. The variant has been detected in the US, China, Thailand and Australia.
Symptoms of NB.1.8.1
While evidence has suggested that NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily than other variants, the WHO has not observed any signs that it has an increase in severity. "Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily," Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News. "In other words, it is more transmissible."
Common symptoms align with typical Omicron subvariants and include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and a sore throat. So far, cases have been recorded in both Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as in popular British tourist hotspots overseas. However, given the dwindling numbers in people testing for Covid-19, it has become increasingly difficult to know the true number of infections.
Effectiveness of Covid Vaccines against NB.1.8.1
Current Covid jabs are expected to remain effective against this variant and protect anyone infected from severe illness. As reported by The Independent, experts believe that the vaccines will continue to provide protection against NB.1.8.1, although it is essential to continue monitoring the situation and adjust vaccination strategies as necessary.
The emergence of NB.1.8.1 highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and monitoring of Covid-19 variants. As the virus continues to evolve, it is essential to remain informed about the latest developments and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
The Independent first reported on the emergence of NB.1.8.1, and their coverage has provided valuable insights into the characteristics and impact of this new variant. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to rely on credible sources of information, such as The Independent, to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments.
In conclusion, the emergence of NB.1.8.1 is a significant development in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. While the variant does not appear to cause more severe symptoms, its increased transmissibility and potential for gastrointestinal symptoms make it essential to continue monitoring the situation and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
